Chapter 339 This Woman Is Simply Ruthless
Watching Finnegan bicker with Andrew in his usual energetic way, everyone present couldn't help but laugh.
Anna was overjoyed.
But she did take Andrew's reminder to heart, obediently responding, "Got it! I'll definitely be more careful next time!
Today has been so wonderful. As soon as I got back, all the people I wanted to see are here. Does this mean I'll get to see you often from now on, Andrew?"
"Yeah."
Andrew nodded, "I'll be in Harmony City from now on."
"That's great!" Anna was very happy.
Seeing this scene, Aurelia couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.
Among all the wealthy heiresses in Harmony City, it wasn't like there weren't any who were pampered at home.
But there had never been an heiress who, like Anna, was unconditionally cherished and protected in everyone's palm.
Especially with Andrew.
This man was so cold to everyone else.
But with family, he was always gentle and patient.
Aurelia suppressed the envy in her heart and smiled, saying, "Anna, I'm here too. We haven't seen each other in so long, and you haven't even greeted me. You haven't forgotten me, have you?"
Anna had naturally noticed her too.
Hearing Aurelia say this, she smiled back, "How could I forget you, Aurelia? I just didn't expect you'd come to pick me up too."
Her gaze was quite meaningful.
Aurelia liked Andrew, and after all these years, that hadn't changed.
Aurelia smiled gracefully, "You haven't been back in a long time. I've missed you too. When I heard you were coming back today, I took the liberty of coming along with Andrew and the others to pick you up."
Anna replied appropriately and just right, "Thank you, Aurelia."
Andrew interrupted their pleasantries, asking Anna, "You've been on the plane for so long. Are you hungry? Tired? Let's take you back for dinner first, then you can get some good rest."
"Sure!" Anna had no objections.
She affectionately linked her arm through Andrew's and started listing what she wanted, "Andrew, I want to eat...!"
Anna chirped out the names of various foods.
Andrew readily agreed, "Okay, you can have whatever you want."
Jessica looked at her daughter acting so soft and sweet, shaking her head helplessly.
After leaving the airport, the group headed straight to a restaurant.
Anna had always liked sticking close to Andrew since childhood, so naturally she sat with him.
Thanks to her, Aurelia also had a rare opportunity to sit with Andrew.
She was especially happy inside, feeling even more that she needed to build a good relationship with Anna.
So along the way, she tried to make conversation, asking Anna about her daily life abroad.
She also showed concern thoughtfully, "Anna, juggling your studies and managing the company must be tiring, right? How's your health?"
"Pretty good, not too tiring. I can handle it!" Anna answered politely.
Andrew didn't join in.
While they chatted, he took out his phone and messaged Olivia, asking about the progress at her research lab.
Olivia had already met with Daniel by this time.
She had also arranged the team she brought with her properly.
These were the same people she'd worked with back in Emerald City.
They had an excellent rapport with each other.
They understood what she meant without needing much explanation about the tasks she assigned.
Olivia trusted them completely.
However, since this was newly launched work here, there were many miscellaneous matters.
Just getting everyone familiar with the new research facility and project materials took half a day.
Olivia had just stopped for a sip of water when she saw Andrew's message.
Olivia couldn't help but smile, replying: [Everything's going smoothly here. Did you pick up your cousin?]
Andrew replied quickly, telling her: [Yes, we're heading to a restaurant now.]
Olivia chuckled and replied: [That's good. Have a nice gathering. After all, you haven't seen your cousin in so long, you must have a lot to talk about.]
Andrew looked at the screen, his gaze gentle: [She really can't sit still, talks a lot, but not in an annoying way. When there's time, I'll introduce you to her.]
Seeing that last sentence made Olivia feel sweet: [If there's a chance, I'd definitely like to meet her.]
She wanted to see what his cousin, who had such a different personality from him, was like!
Andrew looked at her response, his eyes meaningful.
After chatting for a bit, they ended the conversation.
When Olivia put away her phone, there was still a smile on her lips.
Daniel was right beside her, watching her expression, dark emotions hidden in his deep gaze.
Although Olivia had left Emerald City to work in Harmony City, Daniel knew everything about her life there.
He naturally also knew that people in Harmony City's upper circles were mocking her as a woman abandoned by the Johnson family, with a daughter in tow.
But Andrew showed no disdain whatsoever, protecting her despite all controversy.
And he made his position clear to everyone—it was her or no one.
When it happened, Daniel couldn't get away.
He was busy handling the aftermath of company matters for her, making sure the business plans they'd made together were properly executed, so she'd have no worries.
He thought there was no rush, that things in Harmony City would take time.
But now, seeing the sweet smile on her lips, his heart sank uncontrollably.
He seemed to see again how she looked when she was about to marry Michael.
That time, he hadn't been able to hold onto her.
Finally, she left Michael, and he thought they'd have plenty of time together.
They had common goals, starting a business together again, moving forward side by side.
He'd always taken it for granted that someday she would come to him.
But somehow, without him realizing it, they seemed to have diverged again, walking different paths.
A feeling of impending loss filled Daniel's entire heart.
Daniel almost instinctively stepped forward, wanting to ask her directly.
Why wouldn't she look at him?
He was right in front of her—couldn't she see him?
But he didn't get the chance to speak, as team members came over to ask her about project arrangements.
Olivia's attention was diverted, and she didn't notice Daniel's brief abnormality.
She didn't see his displeased expression or his churning emotions.
They kept busy until evening.
Finally reaching a stopping point, Olivia felt a bit guilty toward the team. "Sorry, everyone, on your very first day, I should have let you get settled first. Instead, I had you all busy here with me all day.
To apologize and welcome you all, dinner's on me tonight!"
The team members were quite familiar with Olivia and didn't mind at all, laughing and saying, "It's okay."
"Yeah, before we came, Mr. Wilson already told us the research institute was busy and your time was limited. He said today was the only day you'd be free, and asked us to cooperate fully with you."
"You spent the whole day working with us too. You didn't need to be so hands-on."
Everyone was fine with it and happily told Olivia, "Besides, Mr. Wilson said he'd double our bonuses at the end of the month!"
"Right, and he arranged our accommodations. As soon as we got off the plane today, he sent people to pick up our luggage."
Hearing this, Olivia smiled and glanced at Daniel.
Daniel always handled things properly.
The details she hadn't thought of, he'd taken care of.
Working with him, she didn't have to worry about anything—it couldn't be easier.
She patted Daniel's arm, saying, "Thank you for doing so much for me! Having you as a partner is my honor."
Daniel glanced at her and scoffed, "I'm their boss too. This is within my responsibilities. It has nothing to do with you."
Olivia knew this guy was stubborn and didn't argue with him.
Later, on the way to the restaurant, she brought it up, "Their bonuses—let me transfer the money from my end, okay?"
Daniel snorted coldly. "Do I look like I'm short on that kind of money?"
This person had always been proud, so Olivia didn't mind.
She smiled and replied, "Of course, you're not short on money, but if you do everything and pay for everything, I feel bad!
You've arranged so many things from start to finish. How could I let you pay on top of that?"
No matter what, Olivia hadn't forgotten they were partners.
He'd already helped her enough—there was no reason to take advantage of him.
Daniel was in a bad mood, his handsome face looking quite sour.
How could she understand that if it were possible, he'd prefer she didn't keep such clear accounts with him?
The help and partnership from the beginning—he didn't want her to feel burdened.
He knew she wouldn't accept help from others for nothing.
But over time, it seemed they'd gotten used to settling accounts.
Daniel didn't want such clear boundaries with her.
But she insisted on keeping track of everything.
Afraid of owing favors, afraid of troubling others.
In the end, she gave the opportunity to Andrew instead.
He couldn't hold back anymore and said irritably, "Olivia, you don't need to keep such careful accounts with me. Even if you spend my money or take advantage of me, I'm happy to let you, and no one would say anything about it.
All this time, have I ever asked you for anything in return?"
Seeing him suddenly show emotion, Olivia was somewhat taken aback and a bit confused.
Why was Daniel suddenly angry?
She stared at him for a few moments, finally belatedly noticing something was off. "Are you in a bad mood?"
Hearing this, Daniel's anger flared up.
He'd been in a bad mood all afternoon, and she was only noticing now!
This woman was simply heartless!
He said sullenly, "It's none of your business!"
Olivia looked innocent, saying, "I don't have to care, but you're in a bad mood—why are you taking it out on me? I didn't do anything to you!"
Daniel was speechless.
He really wanted to crack open Olivia's head and see why she was so dense.
Not only heartless, but infuriating!
Olivia looked at his displeased expression, unafraid, and even started lecturing him, "Can you be reasonable? I didn't say anything just now. Haven't we always done things this way?
You never said anything about it before."